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By Suzanne Rostler
NEW YORK, Mar 16 (Reuters Health) - Some women with breast cancer may have a lower risk of developing cancer of the colon and rectum, new study findings suggest.
The results dispute a belief among some physicians that a history of breast cancer increases the risk of subsequently developing colorectal cancer. Some studies, the researchers explain, have found an association between the two types of cancer.
But according to a report in the March 17th issue of The Lancet, women with breast cancer had a 5% lower risk of developing colon cancer and a 13% lower risk of developing rectal cancer.
"This analysis suggests that breast cancer history is not a colorectal cancer risk factor, and that breast cancer patients and their clinicians do not need to take extra measures to guard against this disease," Dr. Craig J. Newschaffer, the study's lead author, said in an interview.
It is not clear why women with a history of breast cancer would have a lower risk of developing colon and rectal cancer compared with women in general. Lifestyle changes made after the diagnosis may be protective, or better surveillance may detect other types of tumors in their early and most benign stages, the report suggests.
Women with breast cancer may also have had lifestyles or exposures that increased their risk of developing breast cancer, but protected against colon cancer, said Newschaffer, from Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland.
"We don't know for certain what these might be, but low parity (having few children) and hormone replacement therapy are possibilities," he explained.
Whatever the reason, colorectal cancer remains the third most common non-skin cancer among US women. About 40% of those diagnosed with the disease will die, the authors note.
"Women with breast cancer histories, just like other women, should follow general colorectal cancer screening recommendations" such as maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising, eating a balanced diet and getting screened regularly after age 50, Newschaffer said.
The results are based on an analysis of data from more than 227,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer.
The lower risk for colorectal cancer was strongest among women who were diagnosed with breast cancer after age 65, white women and patients whose breast cancer had not spread.
SOURCE: The Lancet 2001;357:837-840.
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